The shared love of a song says a lot about two people. I opined on that concept about a surprising shared affinity of a song with one of my daughters years ago. It happened with Terri and me a number of years ago when Wichita Lineman shuffled forward in the office and she swung around to my desk and said, "I love this song."

November 22, 2018

It is again that time of year to give thanks. We think of our friends across the country that have suffered unfathomable losses from natural disaster, cancer, terrorism, gun violence or dumb blind lack of luck. Other friends are facing political battles that are otherworldly. But, we're all still standing. And that's something.

For us, it’s been a mixed bag this year. We left behind neighbors we love…but are thankful that we have stayed connected. We left behind our first house together…but found one that makes us smile every day. And, we left the city that I love…but have found a home in the country that is close enough that we still get back every week.

I have found love like I’ve never known…and an inner peace that provides a warmth I cannot describe. We revel in the time we get to spend with lifelong friends…and can’t wait to get to know our new neighbors. Our clients stimulate our minds and creative juices…and allow us to give back every day.

And, to those that follow this blog (and Facebook hasn’t made that easy this year)…thank you for tagging along on this journey.

May this day elicit a similar recounting of your gifts as we prepare for the Holiday Season.

October 05, 2018

When Rolling Stone named them one of the 10 Country Artists You Need To Know last summer, I cringed a bit. In this bifurcated world where music is unfairly categorized by broad genres, I thought calling the Cordovas "Country" was limiting; that people who say "I don't like Country," would miss out.

I hear more Americana than Country with this band. I hear more CSN mixed with The Band (and a touch of Poco). And, I love this song.

September 17, 2018

After inadvertently starting a small online ruckus after posting a piece entitled "Saying Farewell" (I was just moving...not stepping away), all the online pieces about Bill Geist's retirement are bound to raise a few eyebrows.

We two Bills have had led curiously connected lives. Both from Illinois. Both authored books (his sold considerably more than mine). Both of us have spent time on TV (he on CBS Sunday Morning; me on the CBS affiliate in Madison WI). And, we both have daughters named Elizabeth (his goes by Libby; mine by Liz). We have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (but he earned it).

We've never met face-to-face, but corresponded via e-mail. That I own the billgeist.com domain, I would often receive story ideas meant for him. I would dutifully pass them on.

I met his son Willie a couple years ago. When I introduced myself, he said, "Oh yeah...you're the guy from Wisconsin." Too funny.

September 04, 2018

It's been years since we last spoke...but I never thought that last time would be.

David Burke, the long-time GM of the Breakers Palm Beach died unexpectedly last week. In a world of hospitality professionals who are generally nicer than the general population, David was one of a handful of tourism executives that stood out among a crowded field. I always looked forward to our time together when our careers connected us...and I'll now, once again, not be able to tell someone how much they meant to me.

And to so many others. To whit...this quote from his obit in Smart Meetings:

“The first day on the job here...in your orientation class, first thing is you do a half-day of community service,” he said. “It’s all about ingratiating yourself into the community and doing what’s right. It’s so much fun working for a company that can do the right thing all the time.”

August 07, 2018

Gary Moore is an interesting guy. An accomplished businessman, he has pivoted to become a respected author and motivational speaker. His books, The Final Service and Playing with the Enemy are among our personal favorites (and of our former neighbors, who loved our referrals). And, he has recently begun writing a weekly column for his hometown newspaper.

It is a hometown that has seen more than its fair share of hard knocks. But, it's clawing its way back. I know that, after a recent visit, I'm thoroughly impressed with the sparks of vision and development I saw in several parts of the county. While I saw pain during my visit...I saw more positive than negative. And, for our hometown that's a good thing.

Yeah...Gary and I went to High School together. He stayed. I split.

I left because, in my chosen field, I could go no further there. And, as much as I have loved my 28 years in Madison, I'd be lying if I didn't admit to feeling those pangs of longing for those days in my hometown as I drove through the old 'hoods last month.

But, here's the thing. Gary stayed. And, through his weekly column, he is helping our shared hometown shake off the negativity that is so prevalent when "lifers" bitch about how the old days were so much better. But, ask anyone that has recently transplanted to the county? They love it.

I'd link to one of Gary's columns designed to encourage locals to get over the past and embrace the future...but, you don't live there, so it wouldn't resonate.

July 23, 2018

An annual vacation was once considered a God-given right. Or, if not ordained, something that one just did. Not just for those with means. Everybody. People that were just scraping by would find a way to take the family on vacation. For many, it was the focal point of the year.

I know it was for my family, as we would annually find a cabin in Northern Wisconsin to chill, reconnect and luxuriate in the Northwoods. Terri's family would often head west to Oklahoma, Wyoming, the Dakotas and Colorado. We just did.

So, to hear that the latest consumer study by Allianz says that 51% of us didn't vacay in the past 12 months (and that roughly 40% haven't in two years) is painful, to say the least.

US Travel's Project Time Off is a start...but DMOs need to take up the mantle and inspire Americans to not lose touch with what it means to live.